For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• In North America (US), the Price Index for Sorbitan Monostearate maintained a stable to slightly firm trajectory in July 2025, continuing the upward movement that began in June after a period of relative softness earlier in Q2.
• The Spot Price trend for Sorbitan Monostearate in the US was supported by higher freight costs, limited imports from Asia, and steady end-user demand, particularly from the food emulsifier and cosmetic sectors.
• Why did the price of Sorbitan Monostearate change in July 2025? The price stayed elevated due to constrained overseas supply, firm raw material prices globally, and consistent procurement by downstream industries for Q3 coverage.
• The Production Cost Trend for Sorbitan Monostearate in the US remained moderately bullish as prices of key inputs like stearic acid and sorbitol remained elevated, while container freight rates from Asia to the US continued to rise.
• The Demand Outlook for Sorbitan Monostearate across the US stayed healthy in July 2025, driven by ongoing purchases from the food processing, personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors amid preparation for upcoming seasonal production runs.
• The Price Forecast for Sorbitan Monostearate in August 2025 suggests continued price stability with a slight upward bias, as inventory replenishment activity and feedstock firmness may offset the easing in shipping congestion.
• Inventory levels of Sorbitan Monostearate in the US were moderately tight in July due to earlier shipment delays from Southeast Asia, while restocking cycles by large distributors kept market activity steady.
• Supply-demand dynamics in the US were balanced in July, with no major domestic production interruptions, but restricted Asian import flow kept prompt spot volumes in check and bolstered supplier pricing power.
• Export offers of Sorbitan Monostearate from India and China remained uncompetitive for US buyers due to elevated CIF costs, pushing domestic consumers to rely more heavily on regional or contractual supply arrangements.
• Currency effects, especially a strong USD, helped moderate some import pressures but were insufficient to fully counterbalance the impact of rising global input costs on the US market for Sorbitan Monostearate.
Europe
• In Europe (Germany), the Price Index for Sorbitan Monostearate (SPAN-60) remained on a stable to slightly upward trajectory throughout July 2025, reflecting similar conditions to the US market but with a more subdued rise.
• The Spot Price trend for Sorbitan Monostearate in Germany was influenced by modest feedstock cost increases and longer lead times from Asian exporters, contributing to moderate firmness in regional supply contracts.
• Why did the price of Sorbitan Monostearate change in July 2025? The price showed a slight increase due to consistent downstream demand, particularly from the cosmetics and processed food sectors, combined with leaner import availability from Asia.
• The Production Cost Trend for Sorbitan Monostearate in Germany was influenced by a steady rise in palm-based stearic acid prices and marginally higher utility and labor costs, keeping upstream pressure intact across Q3.
• The Demand Outlook for Sorbitan Monostearate in Germany remained stable, with seasonal procurement activity picking up from mid-July onwards, especially in food emulsifiers and pharmaceutical applications.
• The Price Forecast for Sorbitan Monostearate in August 2025 across Germany suggests continued firmness, as regional buyers focus on securing supply ahead of Q4 contract discussions amid tight spot availability.
• Inventory levels of Sorbitan Monostearate in Germany were slightly lower than normal, as replenishment shipments faced delays due to congestion at major Asian ports and limited export allocations from India.
• Supply-demand dynamics remained relatively balanced in Germany, although supply-side constraints from Asia and consistent regional consumption have prevented any significant price softening.
• Export offers for Sorbitan Monostearate to Europe from Southeast Asia remained elevated in July, largely due to higher ocean freight and strong demand within Asian domestic markets, reducing European buyer leverage.
• Currency fluctuations, particularly the weaker Euro against the USD, added slight import cost pressures for German buyers sourcing Sorbitan Monostearate from non-EU suppliers, impacting overall landed costs.
APAC
• In APAC (India), the Price Index for Sorbitan Monostearate (SPAN-60) Ex-Nagpur increased in July 2025 after a marginal decline in June, driven by improved domestic demand and higher feedstock costs.
• The Spot Price of Sorbitan Monostearate rose to USD 2,030/MT in July 2025, reflecting a bullish trend supported by firm stearic acid and sorbitol prices, alongside limited local inventory.
• Why did the price of Sorbitan Monostearate change in July 2025? The upward movement was caused by higher raw material costs, temporary output disruptions at some Indian plants, and stronger demand from the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors.
• The Production Cost Trend for Sorbitan Monostearate turned bullish in July due to elevated stearic acid and sorbitol prices, increased palm oil derivative costs, and logistics constraints in raw material sourcing.
• The Demand Outlook for Sorbitan Monostearate in India remained strong in July, backed by consistent offtake from excipient and cosmetic formulation industries, along with a revival in restocking activity post-logistics normalization.
• The Price Forecast for Sorbitan Monostearate in August 2025 suggests continued firmness, supported by tight regional inventories, strong feedstock values, and active procurement in anticipation of Q3 production cycles.
• Inventory levels of Sorbitan Monostearate remained tight in July as output was curtailed at select domestic facilities due to maintenance activities, while import options remained limited due to costlier offers from China and Southeast Asia.
• Currency fluctuations, specifically a weaker INR in early July, contributed to higher import costs for key raw materials, influencing the pricing decisions of local Sorbitan Monostearate manufacturers.
• The export competitiveness of Indian Sorbitan Monostearate declined slightly in July amid high input costs and stronger local demand, which limited producers’ flexibility to offer competitive export prices.
• Despite the seasonal logistics disruptions during monsoon, improved dispatch efficiency in the latter half of July allowed manufacturers to fulfill backlogged orders, further supporting spot price gains in India.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Sorbitan Monostearate prices in North America experienced a downward trend, primarily driven by the region's reliance on imports from the Asia Pacific. Prices softened during February as a result of a surge in competitively priced imports, following a significant price drop in exporting nations due to oversupply and a decline in domestic demand.
January saw moderate pricing levels in North America, influenced by higher procurement costs from China, which were driven by pre-Lunar New Year demand and stronger export activity. However, the market shifted in February when North American importers took advantage of the price correction in China, purchasing Sorbitan Monostearate at lower rates and building inventories. This influx of cheaper product eased price pressure and improved availability in the region.
Despite an increase in Chinese prices in March, North American buyers were shielded by the stockpiles accumulated earlier in the quarter. Sluggish demand from key sectors, such as food and pharmaceuticals, combined with cautious restocking practices due to economic uncertainty, kept market activity relatively slow. As a result, the quarter ended with a slight decline in Sorbitan Monostearate prices in North America, driven by strategic import timing and weak local demand, despite some recovery in the upstream markets toward the end of March.
Asia Pacific
The Indian Sorbitan Monostearate market in Q1 2025 saw notable price fluctuations driven by demand dynamics, raw material cost pressures, and broader economic factors. In January, prices surged due to robust demand, particularly from the pharmaceutical sector, alongside escalating production costs. Despite improvements in global supply chains and stabilized freight costs, the sharp rise in raw material prices caused a significant uptick in prices.
However, February marked a reversal in the trend. Prices declined as demand from key sectors like pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics weakened, largely due to already elevated stock levels. Suppliers, facing inventory surpluses, reduced prices to clear excess stock, offering buyers more favorable pricing conditions. This downturn was further impacted by a weaker Indian Rupee and ongoing supply chain inefficiencies, which dampened market sentiment.
March continued the downward price trend, with a global oversupply of Sorbitan Monostearate exacerbating the situation. Post-Lunar New Year production surges, along with a stronger Rupee, contributed to lower domestic prices. Despite strong domestic manufacturing output, muted international demand and slow export growth led to surplus inventories, reinforcing the price decline. By the end of Q1, the market experienced a subdued outlook, with excess supply and weak demand maintaining downward pressure on prices. Looking ahead, the market will depend on demand recovery and global economic conditions to stabilize pricing in the coming months.
Europe
In Q1 2025, Sorbitan Monostearate prices in Europe saw a consistent decline, primarily influenced by stable imports from Asia-Pacific suppliers. European importers had already secured shipments under previous contracts, which helped mitigate the effect of price increases in the APAC region on local pricing.
The downward trend continued in February, driven by falling prices in exporting nations due to rising inventories and weaker domestic demand. This resulted in lower landed prices at European ports. Demand across Europe remained tepid, particularly in the food additive and pharmaceutical sectors, which experienced slower-than-expected growth.
By March, European prices showed no signs of recovery. The market remained burdened by high inventory levels and cautious purchasing behavior. Economic concerns within the EU, coupled with a sluggish manufacturing recovery, further restrained new procurement. Overall, the Sorbitan Monostearate market in Europe during Q1 2025 maintained a bearish outlook, driven by ample supply from Asia, muted demand from key sectors, and hesitancy from buyers amidst ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The U.S. Sorbitan Monostearate market experienced significant volatility in Q4 2024, marked by considerable price fluctuations. In October, prices surged due to a combination of seasonal demand, higher shipping costs from Asia, labor strikes, rising raw material prices, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. These factors temporarily pushed the market upward.
However, by November, the market reversed direction as export prices declined and domestic stockpiles dwindled. Despite suppliers' aggressive pricing strategies to boost demand, end-users remained cautious, reluctant to commit to purchases amid an uncertain market environment. The looming threat of potential tariff hikes on imports, particularly from China, added to the market's instability.
December saw the downward trend continue, driven by weak demand from key sectors like pharmaceuticals, a surplus of inventory, and increased competition from Asian imports. While production levels remained stable, the market continued to suffer from oversupply. Limited buyer interest, coupled with high port inventories, led to a pessimistic outlook, particularly for exports, reinforcing the bearish sentiment throughout the quarter.
Asia Pacific
The Sorbitan Monostearate market in India demonstrated overall bullish momentum with strategic price corrections towards year-end. In October 2024, the market showed strong upward movement due to severe supply constraints and heightened demand. Limited production capacity, reduced imports, and festive season labor shortages created supply bottlenecks. The market experienced higher spot premiums driven by genuine industrial demand rather than speculation. Port activities increased at major locations while inland facilities faced congestion issues.
November 2024 continued the upward trajectory, marked by persistent demand-supply gaps and rising prices. Key drivers included growing domestic consumption, increased production costs, and higher import expenses from China. The weakening Indian Rupee amplified suppliers' pricing power. Stearic Acid, a crucial raw material, saw modest price increases due to limited Palm Oil production in Southeast Asia and elevated freight costs.
December 2024 brought a strategic market correction through calculated inventory adjustments. Despite stable demand from food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors, deliberate destocking and currency depreciation created a temporary pricing standoff. The market maintained its fundamental strength, suggesting a return to balanced pricing once inventory levels normalize and currency fluctuations stabilize.
Europe
The German Sorbitan Monostearate market experienced steady price declines throughout Q4 2024, primarily driven by oversupply and low demand. Prices briefly rose in October due to supply chain challenges and increasing input costs, but by November, falling production costs across the Eurozone and lackluster demand led to a shift. Manufacturers responded with price reductions and promotions to stimulate purchasing.
By December, prices dropped further as both regional and imported supply remained plentiful. The weakening Euro added extra pressure, causing buyers to limit purchases to their immediate needs. Suppliers, faced with excess inventory from pre-holiday stocking and favorable import conditions, aggressively worked to clear their stock.
Throughout the quarter, market dynamics were largely influenced by inventory management rather than changes in demand. Manufacturers focused on clearing surplus stock through competitive pricing, while weak demand from downstream sectors kept the market in a continued decline. As a result, the overall market sentiment remained negative, with little sign of improvement.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of 2024, the North American market for Sorbitan Monostearate maintained stable prices, despite notable fluctuations within the USA market. Market dynamics were influenced by factors such as an abundant supply, weak demand, and subdued consumption patterns, which contributed to price declines amid an oversupply situation and reduced trading activity.
In response to lower new orders, manufacturers scaled back production, leading to shorter supplier lead times. End-users adopted a cautious purchasing strategy, prioritizing essential needs and further dampening overall buying interest. Although there were some optimistic strategic sales efforts, market sentiment remained weak due to the ongoing surplus and decreased demand.
The USA market experienced the most significant price changes, driven by challenges related to limited inventory and rising demand from downstream industries. By the end of Q3, prices saw a notable increase, influenced by heightened domestic and export demand, declining inventory levels, and robust end-user consumption. US importers and suppliers faced inventory shortages, further compounded by disruptions caused by China’s Golden Week holiday.
Asia Pacific
In the third quarter of 2024, the APAC region experienced a significant decline in Sorbitan Monostearate prices, with India showing the most pronounced fluctuations. This downturn was driven by several factors, including weakened demand from downstream industries, oversupply, and reduced inquiries that led to sluggish market conditions. Stable production levels, lower input costs, and heightened competition further contributed to the declining price trend.
Market dynamics, including seasonality and demand fluctuations, played a critical role in influencing these price changes. The correlation between price drops in the first and second halves of the quarter underscored a consistent downward trajectory. By the end of the quarter, the price reached USD 2,135.84 per metric ton in Nagpur, highlighting the prevailing negative sentiment and challenges in the Sorbitan Monostearate market.
Additionally, during August, the Indian Rupee (INR) continued to depreciate against major currencies. Typically, a weaker currency increases import costs; however, in this instance, it led to lower domestic excipient prices. The depreciation rendered Indian-produced excipients more competitive internationally, thereby boosting exports and enabling manufacturers to capitalize on economies of scale.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the pricing landscape for Sorbitan Monostearate in Europe remained stable, influenced by several key factors. Global supply chain disruptions, subdued demand in essential sectors, and sufficient inventory levels contributed to this equilibrium. Within the region, Germany experienced the most notable price fluctuations. Nevertheless, the German Sorbitan Monostearate sector demonstrated resilience, with prices remaining steady throughout the quarter.
The relationship between price changes in the first and second halves of the quarter was neutral, suggesting balanced market sentiment. Seasonal trends did not significantly affect pricing dynamics, as market fundamentals and macroeconomic factors played a more crucial role. In September, the German market experienced a price increase due to robust bulk purchasing and limited stock availability. Suppliers effectively managed inventories to address demand while mitigating supply chain disruptions, although logistics presented ongoing challenges.
Freight rates on key Asia-Europe routes decreased, with shipping costs from China to Northern Europe falling by approximately 9%, reducing the price for a 40-foot container to $3,848. However, a typhoon-related disruption at the Shanghai port caused delays in the arrival of essential components for European production, complicating inventory management. Inflationary pressures heightened input and output costs throughout the supply chain. While production levels improved, the influx of new inventory remained limited, intensifying market pressures.
FAQ’s
1. Why did the price of Sorbitan Monostearate change in July 2025 in the US?
The Price Index for Sorbitan Monostearate in North America (US) increased slightly in July 2025, driven by limited spot cargo availability, increased summer demand from food and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and firming Production Cost Trends due to rising costs of stearic acid and emulsifier-grade intermediates.
2. What caused the stability in Sorbitan Monostearate prices in Germany during July 2025?
In Europe (Germany), the Spot Price of Sorbitan Monostearate showed marginal upward pressure as import costs rose slightly due to longer lead times and weaker Euro-to-USD conversion. However, balanced Demand Outlook and moderate Production Cost Trends kept the Price Index relatively steady.
3. How did production costs impact the Sorbitan Monostearate price trend in APAC?
In APAC (India), the Production Cost Trend for Sorbitan Monostearate remained elevated due to high feedstock stearic acid prices and utility inflation. This pushed Spot Prices upward despite modest regional demand, with the Price Index showing consistent strength through July 2025.
4. What is the Price Forecast for Sorbitan Monostearate in August 2025 across major markets?
The Price Forecast for Sorbitan Monostearate suggests stable to slightly firmer prices across all three regions. In the US and Germany, buyers are expected to restock ahead of Q4, while tight inventories and stronger demand in APAC may continue to support price firmness.
5. How are inventory levels influencing Sorbitan Monostearate prices globally?
Inventory levels of Sorbitan Monostearate were generally low across the US and Germany in July 2025 due to delayed imports and cautious procurement strategies. In contrast, APAC maintained tighter domestic allocations for regional consumption, which further limited export availability, influencing Spot Price and Price Index trends globally.
